Process and apparatus for the fine dispersion of liquids or powders in a gaseous medium

ABSTRACT

A process and apparatus for the fine dispersion of liquid or powder in a gaseous medium, preferably in air. The liquid or powder is placed into an ejection tube (2) and pressurized gaseous propellant (4) is conducted at explosion-like speed behind the charge (1). The apparatus has an ejection tube (2) containing the liquid or powder charge (1), a propellant container (3) connected with one end of the ejection tube (2). The ejection tube (2) and propellant container (3) are interconnected by at least one transfer port (8) closed by a quick-action locking element.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for the finedispersion of liquids or powder in gaseous medium, preferably in air.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known that the fine dispersion of liquids or powders in theair, or in other medium or surface is often necessary. The fields ofapplication can be divided into two main groups.

One of them includes the applications where the quantity of the productdischarged on each occasion is not considerable (therapeutic, cosmetic,household applications etc). The aerosol products were developed justfor this purpose. These products are filled into pressurized containersand by actuating a valve mechanism, they pass to the air through anatomizer system. The finely dispersed liquid drops (aerosol drops) areproduced by the atomizing nozzle.

Though the size could be increased, containers liter volume are usuallynot produced.

In the other group of applications a considerable amount of product isto be used on each occasion, as acceptable result will be attained onlythis way. Such fields of application are for example the disinfection ofbuildings, fire fighting, etc. Sprayers or atomizers of continuousoperation are used for this purpose.

One cf these solutions is described in the HU-PS 185 548. This device isan improvement of the apparatus described in the DE-PS 28 40 723, U.S.Pat. No. 1,399,490, U.S. Pat. No. 4,116,387 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,251,033for the purpose of administering active ingredients for therapeutic orimmunogenic treatment of animals kept in stable. The apparatus consistsof a high capacity rotary atomizer and conical drop separators openingby way of shutter. These drop separators prevent the passage of dropsgreater than 5 micron into the air space.

The apparatus according to the U.S. Pat. No. 4,687,135 was developed fordischarge into the air space with high energy. The propellant in theapparatus is brought about by the explosion-like burning of gas, andpulverized metal, metal-ceramic, wear- and heat-resistant electricallyinsulating or electrically conducting material are admitted into thenozzle. The pulverized substance flowing out of the nozzle heated to thevicinity of its melting point, precipitates with high energy on thetreated surface, forming a layer on it. The apparatus functionsperiodically.

These apparatuses are capable to discharge theoretically unlimitedamount of product, but in fact they slow, because increasing thequantity discharged in time unit is restricted by the atomizing system.The slowness is unfavourable especially in apparatuses used for firefighting, e.g. in fire extinguishers.

There are instances, among which the underground fire is the mostcharacteristic, when very large amount of product has to be dispersednearly all at once into a very large space. With the currently knownspraying systems this is impossible, or it can be realized only withapparatuses of unacceptable size.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is therefore a process and apparatuswhereby a great amount of liquid or powder can be dispersed all at oncein gaseous medium, e.g. air space. The invention is based on therecognition, that if liquid is discharged into the air at high speed,the air resistance might be so great that it breaks down the mass ofliquid to drops by impact. Similar is the behaviour of the fine grainedpowders. The speed of discharging the liquid or powder is therefore acrucial question.

According to the present invention for the dispersion of liquid orpowder in gaseous medium, preferably in air, the liquid or powder isarranged in an ejection tube, and pressurized propellant gas flow isproduced behind the charge at an explosion-like speed.

Preferably, a propellant gas of at least 10 bar pressure is conductedbehind the charge in at most 20 msec.

According to a preferred embodiment a container is charged up withpropellant of at least 10 bar pressure, and the gas is conducted fromthe container behind the charge in the ejection tube.

The liquid or powder may be also filled into a synthetic foil or paperbag, then the bag is sealed and placed into the ejection tube.

Generally, the charge fills up 25-100% of the ejection tube's volume anda propellant 30-750 times the volume of the charge in normal conditionis conducted to the charge.

The propellant gas may also be brought about by explosion, wherein anexplosive in a conventional shell is placed into the propellantcontainer and the charge filled into the bag is put directly on theexplosive.

Another object of the invention is an apparatus for the fine dispersionof liquid or powder in gaseous medium, preferably in air appropriatelywith the process according to the invention, when the apparatus isdesigned as to have an ejection tube taking in the charge of liquid orpowder, one end of the ejection tube is attached to the propellantcontainer, the ejection tube is interconnected with the propellantcontainer at least by one transfer port closed with a quick-actionlocking element.

In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the inventionthe ratio between the length and inside diameter of the ejection tube is2-20.

In another preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to theinvention, an automatic locking element of elastic material, consistingof segments is arranged at the mouth of the ejection tube.

Yet another preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to theinvention is when the ejection tube has a charging stub provided withlocking element, connected through flexible hose with a liquid supplysystem.

A tube bottom may be formed at the end of the ejection tube facing thepropellant container, and holes are branching off from the transfer portin the direction of the ejection tube, the openings of which are formedin the tube bottom close to its edge.

The propellant container may have a charging stub provided with alocking element ensuring connection with the propellant supply applianceand connected through a flexible hose with a power system supplying highpressure gas. It may also have conventional elements for taking in a CO₂cartridge.

The locking element closing the transfer port that interconnects theejection tube with the propellant container is a valve lying on thevalve seat machined around the transfer port from the direction of thepropellant container, the valve is in actuating connection with a pistonsituated in the cylinder, the cylinder space is interconnected with thepropellant container through a check valve closing towards the cylinderspace, furthermore through a locking element with the surroundings, andfinally the charging stub of the propellant container provided withlocking element is connected directly with the cylinder space.

The locking element in the charging stub of the propellant containerinterconnected with the cylinder space and the locking elementinterconnecting the cylinder space with the surroundings may be machinedas a single three-position locking element.

According to another preferred embodiment of the apparatus according tothe invention, the valve closing the transfer port that interconnectsthe ejection tube with the propellant container and the valve-actuatingpiston are machined as a single piece, and cross section of the transferport is smaller than that of the cylinder space, wherein the lockingelement closing the transfer port is a butterfly valve, a ball pivot ora membrane.

A bursting mandrel may be arranged behind the membrane closing thetransfer port that interconnects the ejection tube with the propellantcontainer, the shank of which is in mechanical connection with theactuating mechanism arranged outside the propellant container.

Preferably, the compressive strength of the membrane closing saidtransfer port is 1.2-1.5 times the rated charging pressure of thepropellant container.

A detonating mechanism, preferably primer cap may be built to themembrane closing the transfer port interconnecting the ejection tubewith the propellant container, and said primer cap can be interconnectedwith a firing mechanism.

In a further preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to theinvention, explosive is in the propellant container built together witha conventional detonating mechanism (primer), and the detonatingmechanism is interconnected with a firing mechanism.

Again in a further preferred embodiment of the apparatus according tothe invention, the firing mechanism interconnected with the detonatingmechanism built to the membrane closing the transfer port thatinterconnects the ejection tube with the propellant container, or thefiring mechanism interconnected with the detonating mechanism built tothe explosive in the propellant container is in actuating connectionwith a device or device system sensing the presence cf explosive gasmixture and/or fire.

Finally, in a further preferred embodiment of the apparatus according tothe invention, at least two ejection tubes are built together with acommon propellant container, and each ejection tube is connectedseparately with the common propellant container through a transfer portclosed by a locking element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described more in detail by way of some exampleswith the reference to the enclosed drawings, in which

FIG. 1 is the longitudinal section of a version of the apparatusaccording to the invention

FIG. 2 is the detail of the same,

FIG. 3 is the longitudinal section of another version,

FIG. 4 is the top view of the same,

FIG. 5 is the cross section marked with I in FIG. 3,

FIG. 6 is the longitudinal section of a third version,

FIG. 7 is the longitudinal section of a fourth version,

FIG. 8 is the longitudinal section of a fifth version,

FIG. 9 is the longitudinal section of a sixth version

FIG. 10 is the longitudinal section of a seventh version,

FIG. 11 is the longitudinal section of an eight version,

FIG. 12 is the longitudinal section of a ninth version,

FIG. 13 is the longitudinal section of a tenth version,

FIG. 14 is the longitudinal section of an eleventh version.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The previous description demonstrates that the process according to theinvention can be realized in several ways and many kinds of apparatusesare suitable for this purpose. For the sake of easier representation itis more expedient to present an apparatus in detail, and following thedescription of its operation to refer back to the process.

The ejection tube 2 and propellant container 3 of the apparatus shown inFIG. 1 are machined as a single steel tube. They are separated from eachother by a dividing wall 38 sealed by gaskets 39. Its displacement isprevented by shoulder 41 machined from the direction of ejection tube 2and by setscrew 40.

The dividing wall 38 is shown in detail in FIG. 2. A transfer port 8 isarranged in the central part interconnecting the ejection tube 2 andpropellant container 3. A valve seat 15 is machined around the transferport 8 from the direction of the propellant container 3 closed by a discgate valve 14.

The valve 14 is interconnected with piston 16 via valve stem 42. Thepiston 16 is arranged in a cylinder 17 made in the present case as asingle piece with the dividing wall 38. Tightness of the piston 16 isensured by sealing ring 43. Windows 44 are cut in the wall of thecylinder 17 in the vicinity of valve 14 through which the propellantflows to the valve 14 .

The cylinder 17 is closed by a cover 45 fixed with screws 46. A spring47 is inserted between the piston 16 and cover 45, which has nodistinctive role in respect of the operation, it improves the safeoperation only.

A hole 48 in the central part of cover 45 is interconnecting thecylinder space 37 with the space of the propellant container 3. The hole48 is closed by a check valve 18 from the direction cf the propellantcontainer's space.

An annular space 49 connected with the cylinder space is machined in thecover 45 which is connected through holes 50 and 51 with threaded pipenipples 52 and 53.

The propellant container 3 in the present case is a mountedconstruction, meaning that its end is closed by a bottom piece 55 fixedwith screws 54. Ducts 56 and 57 are in the bottom piece 55 containingthreaded pipe nipples 58 and 59 from the direction cf the propellantcontainer 3.

As continuation of duct 56 locking element 13 and as continuation ofduct 57, locking element 19 are connected with the bottom piece 55.These are ball pivots actuated by handles 62 and 63. The free end oflocking element 13 forms the charging stub 12 of the propellantcontainer 3. Charging stub 12 is connected through flexible hose 34 witha compressed air aggregate (not shown). Locking element 19 opens towardsthe surroundings.

The threaded pipe nipples 56 and 59 in the bottom piece 55 areinterconnected through flexible hoses 60 and 61 with threaded pipenipples 53 and 53 in the cover 45 of cylinder 17.

The process according to the invention is as follows.

Upon opening locking element 13, compressed air flows through flexiblehose 34 into duct 56. The cylinder space 37 of cylinder 17 is charged upthrough duct 56 and annular space 49. The spring 47 keeps the piston 16and valve 14 through valve stem 42 in the direction of transfer port 8,thus the valve 14 rests on valve seat 15 and closes the transfer port B.Now the compressed air increases the force closing the valve 14.

As the pressure rises in the cylinder space 38, the check valve 18opens, and the propellant container is charged up with propellant 4,i.e. compressed air. Upon completion of the charging, the lockingelement 13 has to be closed by turning the handle 62.

During this period of the operation the locking element 19 has to bekept in closed condition.

Simultaneously with charging up the propellant container 3, the charge 1can be placed into the ejection tube 2. In the present case it is wateras indicated in FIG. 1. By filling up the charge 1 and propellant 4, theapparatus is ready to eject.

For ejection cf charge 1, the locking element 19 has to be opened byturning the handle 63. At this point, the cylinder space 37 cf cylinder17 becomes discharged through the annular space 49, hole 51, flexiblehose 61, duct 57 and locking element 19 towards the surroundings.Pressure of the propellant 4 in the propellant container 3 moves thepiston 16 in the direction of the cover 45, thereby lifting the valve 14off the valve seat 15.

Opening of the valve 14 is extremely quick, it takes only milliseconds.Through the free transfer port the propellant 4 presses onward withelementary force below the charge 1 and ejects it from the ejection tube2 at high speed, and it disintegrates in the air forming nearly regularfog.

After ejection, charging of the apparatus can be repeated, i.e. theactuation is periodical.

As it is expected from the foregoing, the result of the process dependson several factors.

First of all, the speed of the process in time and magnitude of theutilized energy have a decisive role. If the propellant 4 is broughtbehind the charge 1 in a longer time than 20 msec, or the pressure ofthe propellant does not reach 20 bar, then neither the size of theliquied drops, nor their distribution will be homogeneous, and the dropsize will be greater than to speak about fog, spray or aerosol.

Even if complying with the former requirements, considerable deviationwill appear from the L/D ratio of the ejection tube (L=length,D=diameter) and from the ratio of the volume VK of the ejection tube andvolume VT of the charge 1. These two characteristics influence finenessof the atomization, range of the ejection, and cone angle of thedispersion.

The L/D ratio should be selected between 2 and 20. If the L/D ratio issmaller than two, the cone angle of the dispersion will be so much thatthe atomization is no longer homogeneous, the drops spreading to theside will be unacceptably large, and their energy low, thus they do notget far enough. The L/D ratio theoretically could be greater than 20,but it is unnecessary, as it would not influence the result of theprocess.

Ratio between the volume of the ejection tube VK and volume of thecharge VT should be selected between 25 and 100%. Its effect is indirect proportion to the cone angle of the dispersion, i.e. if ratio ofthe volumes is smaller, the cone angle of the dispersion will also besmaller. Ratio of the volumes influences not only the described effectof the cone angle of dispersion . At smaller volume ratio the coverageof the apparatus is greater and the atomization is finer and morehomogeneous.

Finally, the ratio between volume of the charge VT and volume of thepropellant VH measured in normal condition will considerably influencemarking out the field of application of the apparatus. This ratio can beselected between 30 and 750. It is evident that this characterizes themagnitude of the energy utilized for ejection. It has to be premisedthat the apparatus according to the invention can be produced as to bekept in the hand, but it may be produced with large dimensions in stableconstruction.

The manual use, e.g. small fire extinguishers do not require greatenergy, and the use is not recommended either, because the reactionforce might be too excessive causing injury to the operator.

At the same time, the invention enables to produce apparatuses suitablefor quenching oil or gas bursts. These apparatuses are set up on a fixedstand farther from the boring tower, and the ejection is carried outwith such energy, that not only the fine extinguishing charge should beeffective, but the flame would be blown out as well.

It is pointless to increase the energy without restraint. The airresistance absolutely limits both the range and narrowing thedispersion. Therefore, it is unnecessary to go over 750 with the volumeratio.

The version suitable for manual use is shown in FIG. 3 to 5.

The ejection tube 2 and propellant container 3 are made independentlyand mounted on both sides of the distance piece 64. The ejection tube 2is fixed with screws 65 with the aid of welded-on flanged hub, thegasked 66 between them ensures leakageproof condition. The propellantcontainer 3 is fixed to the distance piece 64 similarly with a welded-onflanged hub. It is fixed with screws, and sealed by gasket 68.

End of the propellant container 3 is closed with a welded bottom piece71.

The transfer port 8 is machined into the distance piece 64. The lowerend of the interior of the ejection tube 2 forms the tube bottom 28 inthe distance piece 64 so that a threaded insert 73 is driven into thedistance piece 64. Holes 29 are in the insert 73 branching off from thetransfer port 8, and their openings 30 open along the circumference ofthe tube bottom 28 into the space of the ejection tube 2. The holes 29start out of a distribution space 76, this however is regarded inrespect of flow as part of the transfer port 8.

The valve seat 15 on which the valve 14 rests is machined around the endof the transfer port 8 facing the propellant container 3.

The valve 14 and the actuating piston 16 are made as a single piece. Theoperation is conditional on the cross section A of piston 16 beinggreater than the cross section a of the transfer port 8.

The cylinder 17 with the piston 16 in it is machined in the distancepiece 64. The piston 16 is sealed with a packing ring 43 shaped like apot to prevent jamming. Its operation is ensured by spring 47 asdescribed earlier.

The cylinder space 37 of cylinder 17 is closed by cover 69 fixed withscrews 70 to the distance piece 64. Check valve 18 is in cover 69opening towards the space of propellant container 3.

An annular valve space 81 is on the side of piston 16 facing the valveseat 15. The valve space is interconnected through ducts 71 with spaceor the propellant, container 3. Only one duct 72 is shown in thedrawing, but it is advisable to prepare more of them because of thelower flow resistance.

A hole 76 in the distance piece 64 adjoins the cylinder space 37. Thethree-position locking element 20 adjoins the hole 78. One of theconnecting stubs of the three-position locking element 20 is connectedthrough flexible hose 34 with a compressed air aggregate (not shown),and the other connecting stub opens to the surroundings. Thethree-position locking element 20 is actuated by handle 80.

A hole 75 leading to the space of the ejection tube 2 is on that part ofthe distance piece 64 which surrounds the space of the ejection tube 2.A charging stub 31 adjoining through locking element 32 the hole 75 isconnected through flexible hose 33 with a water cock (not shown). Thelocking element 32 is a ball pivot actuated with handle 79.

A locking element 10 is fixed to the mouth 9 of the ejection tube 2.This may be a rubber sheet divided into segments 11. The locking element10 is pressed by ring 76 to the tube mouth 9. The ring 76 is fixed byscrews 77.

The apparatus generally functions as described before.

In one position of the three-position locking element 20, the cylinderspace 37 is connected through flexible hose 34 with a compressor. Thusthe piston 16 keeps the valve 14 in closed state, while the propellantcontainer is charged up through check valve 18 with propellant 4, inthis case compressed air.

After charging up the propellant container 3, the three-position lockingelement 20 is turned by handle 80 to the position marked in FIG. 3.

By opening the locking element 32, the ejection tube 2 can also becharged up. Naturally the earlier described aspects have to be reckonedwith for charging up. After charging up the ejection tube 2, the lockingelement 32 can be closed with handle 79. Now the apparatus is ready foractuation.

It is actuated by turning the three-position locking element 20, when itinterconnects the cylinder space 37 through hole 78 with thesurroundings. At this point the piston moves and the valve 14 opens thetransfer port 8. The outflowing propellant 4 ejects the charge 1.

The apparatus is made specifically for manual use, therefore it isprovided with grip and shoulder strap (not shown). The manual usenecessitates the application of locking element 10 with segments 11 atthe tube mouth 9. This prevents charge 1 from flowing out of theejection tube 2 during movement of the apparatus.

The manual actuation is served similarly by the three-position lockingelement 20. Compared with the earlier described apparatus, it is easy tosee that the three-position locking element 20 can be regarded as abuilt together unit of the charging locking element 13 and lockingelement 19 starting the ejection.

Purpose of the holes 29 opening to the tube bottom 28 is to conduct thepropellant 4 evenly below the charge 1. Its effect is manifest inreducing the cone angle of dispersion, which is significant indeed inthe large diameter ejection tubes.

A similarly light, manual apparatus is presented in FIG. 6.

The ejection tube 2 and propellant container 3 are fixed with threadedconnection to both sides of a distance piece 83. Packing rings 85 and 86are used for sealing. End of the propellant container 3 is closed by abottom element 71 as described earlier.

The distance piece 83 includes the transfer port 8 with a built in ballpivot 22 actuated by handle 82.

A locking element 13 actuated by handwheel 88 joins through hole 84 theside of the distance piece 83 facing the propellant container 3. Suchconnecting elements 87 are built to the charging stub 12 machined on thelocking element 13, which are suitable for taking in a giant CO₂ 2bottle 35. The connecting elements 87 are not shown in detail, becausethey are known from other fields of the technical life, e.g. from thehousehold type siphon bottle.

The apparatus functions as follows.

After installing the CO₂ bottle 35, the propellant container 3 can becharged up through locking element 13 with propellant 4 by turning thehandwheel 88. The propellant is CO₂ gas in the present case. Thepropellant container 3 can be charged up several times from a giant CO₂bottle 35. The charge 1 can be put into the ejection tube as well. Theball pivot 33 is closed as illustrated during charging. The apparatus isactuated upon opening the ball pivot 22 by turning the handle 81, andthe propellant 4 flows through the transfer port 8 below charge 1. Thistriggers ejection of the charge 1.

A version of the previous apparatus made similarly for manual use isshown in FIG. 7.

Two ejection tubes 2 are connected to the distance piece 89. Theejection tubes 2 are flanged, sealed by gasket 92. They are fixed withscrews (not shown).

A single propellant container 3 is fixed with screws 91 to the otherside of the distance piece 89. It is sealed by gasket 90.

A transfer port 8 is machined in the distance piece 89 for each ejectiontube 2, and each transfer port is provided with ball pivots 22 actuatedby handles 82.

The locking element 13 opened and closed by handwheel 88 is connected tohole 84 in the distance piece 89 opening into the propellant container3. A CO₂ bottle 35 is connected via connecting elements 87 with chargingstub 12 machined on the locking element 13.

The apparatus functions as described earlier.

Naturally the two ejection tubes 2 can be actuated after each otherfollowing the repeated charge up of the propellant container 3. Theapparatus has the advantage that each ejection tube 2 can be charged upin advance with charge 1, and several charges 1 can be ejected withoutthe need of using the apparatus together with the charging hoses, or toreturn to the base for charge up.

FIG. 8 shows a version of the apparatus fixed to distance piece 93 withscrews 94, and sealed by gaskets 95 and 96. The distance piece 93incorporates the transfer port 8 with butterfly valve 21 built in. Thevalve lever 97 of the butterfly valve 21 is hinged to piston rod 99 ofthe cylinder 98.

The propellant container 3 is closed with bottom element 100, sealedwith gasket 102 and fixed with screws 101. Locking element 13 withcharging stub 12 is connected with hole 103 of the bottom element 100.The charging stub 12 is connected through flexible hose 34 with thepropellant power source (not shown).

The operation does not require detailed description. After admitting thecharge 1 and propellant 4, the butterfly valve 21 can be opened with theaid of cylinder 93, upon which the charge 1 is ejected.

It should be noted that the propellant 4 must not be in gaseous statefor charge up, it may be liquefied CO₂ gas just as well. This--asdescribed before--flows below the charge 1 already in gaseous state uponopening the butterfly Valve 21.

FIGS. 9 to 11 show an embodiment wherein the transfer part 8 is closedby a membrane 23. This can be made individually, or it may befactory-made, or ready-made hermetically sealed slotted disc. In thefactory production, the membrane 23 is worked together with thesurrounding clamping rings 114 as to be leakageproof without the use ofpacking. A semi-finished and completely ready-made slotted disc can alsobe used for the apparatus according to the invention.

In the factory-made apparatus shown in FIG. 9, the ejection tube 2 isbuilt to one side of the membrane 23 surrounded with clamping rings 114,while the propellant container 3 is built to the other side, sealed bygaskets 115 and 116 and fixed with screw 117.

A bottom element 104 together with gasket 118 and screws (not shown) ismounted to the other end of the propellant container 3, which isconnected through duct 113 with locking element 13 and charging stub 12.A cylinder 106 with gasket 126 and screws (not shown) is built on thebottom element 104.

A bursting mandrel 24 is at the membrane 23 on the piston rod 207 ofpiston 108 of cylinder 106. The piston rod 107 is supported againstdeflection by guide disc 105 fixed to the propellant container 3 bystich welding or sticking. The unobstructed flow of propellant 4 isensured by holes 110 in the guide disc 105. The cylinder 106 with theaid of pipe nipple 111 and flexible hose 112 can be connected with acompressed air aggregate. The piston rod 107 is held in normal positionby spring 109.

The apparatus begins to function upon applying pressure to the cylinder106 after charging up the charge 1 and propellant 4. The piston 108 andthe bursting mandrel 24 at the end of the piston rod 107 move at highspeed in the direction of the membrane 23 and breaking it through. Thepropellant 4 flows through the free transfer port 8 below charge 1 andejects it.

In the apparatus according to FIG. 10, a forepressed membrane 23 ismounted between the ejection tube 2 and propellant container 3 with theaid of clamping rings 114, gaskets 127 and 128 and screws 129. The endof the propellant container 3 is closed by the welded-in bottom element19, into which the locking element 13 with charging stub 12 is fitted.

The membrane 23 should have a compressive strength somewhat higher thanpressure of the propellant 4 in the propellant container 3 during chargeup.

For making the apparatus operative, the pressure of the propellant 4 isfurther increased by opening the locking element 13 during ejection, theincreased pressure cracks the membrane 23, whereby the transfer port 8is freed.

The principle of operation demonstrates that the compressive strength ofthe membrane 23 should be selected to 1.2-1.5 times the rated chargingpressure, thus it will be sufficiently safe against accidental rupture,but no excessive pressure is required for the ejection.

FIG. 11 presents an apparatus used in such field, where remote controlof the apparatus can not be accomplished with traditional elements. Suchfield is for example the deep working in mine.

Here the membrane 23 built between the clamping rings 114 is joined tothe ejection tube with gasket 130, to the propellant container with theinsertion of a choking plate, supporting clamping ring 120, gasket 131and screws 132. The end of the propellant container 3 is closed with awelded-in bottom element 133, into which the locking element 13 withcharging stub 12 are mounted.

For actuation of the apparatus, first a detonating mechanism 26 isplaced between the membrane 23 and choking plate 121. The detonatingmechanism 26 may be any traditional explosive with electrically ignitedprimer, the electric wire of which is led in alongside the choking plate121. Installation of the detonating mechanism 26 is followed by fillingin the charge 1 and propellant 4.

Here it is noted that besides water, many other materials can be usedfor charge 1. Such are for example the powders used for fire-fighting,moreover rock flour too may be the charge 1 in case of pit gas danger.

In deep working mines, the apparatus is used as follows. As manyapparatuses--in charged condition--as required by the volume of theentries and size of the charge 1 are laid on the area endangered by pitgas. The electric wires 122 are connected to a--symbolicallyillustrated--firing mechanism 27 provided with sensor 141 reacting tothe presence of pit gas, or fire. When for example the pit gas reachesthe explosive level, the firing mechanism 27 explodes the detonatingmechanism 26, which cracks the membrane 23 and the choking plate 121made of much weaker material. Thus the propellant 4 flows through thetransfer port 8 below the charge, and ejects it.

The propellant 4 can be brought about with the aid of explosive as well.

In the apparatus shown in FIG. 12, a locking disc 134 is mounted withgaskets 135 and 136 and screw 137 between the ejection tube 2 andpropellant container 3. The propellant container 3 is closed by athreaded bottom element 123, into which a detonating mechanism 36 isplaced with the aid of cap screw 124, connected through electric wire138 with the firing mechanism 27. The sensing devices 141 are connectedto the firing mechanism 27.

For operation of the apparatus an explosive 7 is placed into thepropellant container 3. This could be any low explosive. Detonation ofthe explosive 7 brings about the propellant flowing below the charge 1through the transfer port 8 which becomes free upon rupture of thelocking disc 134.

FIG. 13 presents the simplest version of the apparatus. The ejectiontube 2 and propellant container 3 are machined as a single tube, so thetransfer port is the full cross section of the tube. The propellantcontainer 3 is closed by a welded-in bottom element 125 into which thedetonating mechanism 36 is placed with the aid of cap screw 139. Thedetonating mechanism 36 is connected with electric wire 140 to thefiring mechanism 27. Sensing devices 141 are connected with the firingmechanism 27.

For operation of the apparatus, first the explosive 7 in a shell isplaced into the propellant container 3 followed by putting on the charge1 in a sealed bag 5 made of paper or synthetic foil. The propellantbrought about upon detonation of the explosive 7 ejects the charge 1.

In connection with use of the bag 5, it should be noted, that it can beused in any version of the apparatus, since such energy is required forejection of the charge 1 which rears apart the bag 5 by all means.

The bag 5 offers a further application possibility. With the processaccording to the invention only liquids or powdery materials can beejected. With the aid of the bag 5 however, halogen gas can also beejected, since it can be stored and filled in liquid state into the bag5.

FIG. 14 shows such version of the apparatus which combines theadvantages of the high energy derived from the explosion, and the holesarranged like a wreath at the tube bottom.

A bottom plate 142 is built between the ejection tube 2 and propellantcontainer 3 with the aid of gaskets 143 and 144 and screws 145. Thebottom plate 142 practically determines the tube bottom 28 of theejection tube 2.

Holes 29 are arranged like wreath in the bottom plate 14 in the vicinityof the tube bottom's edge 28. The bottom plate 142 is closed by membrane23 between gasket 14 and bottom plate 142. In this case the membrane 23may be a thin sheet of low strength or a foil.

The holes 2101 are connected with the transfer port 8. According todrawing, its cross section is practically the same as that of thepropellant container 3, but a construction as shown in FIG. 3 is alsofeasible. It. should be noted that although the Figures--exceptone--present such versions, where diameter of the ejection tube andpropellant container is the same, but this is not necessary at all.

The propellant container 3 is closed by a bottom element 146 into whichthe detonating mechanism 36 is fixed with the aid of a cap screw 147.The detonating mechanism is interconnected through electric wire 148with a manually operated firing mechanism 27.

For operation of the apparatus, the charge 1 is placed into the ejectiontube 2, and propellant container 3 is filed with explosive 7. The firingmechanism 27 explodes the detonator, and the explosive 7.

The propellant brought about by the explosive 7 flows through the holes29, tears apart the membrane 23, then flowing below the charge 2, ejectsit.

The foregoing description demonstrates that one of the main fileds ofapplication of the process and apparatus is the fire-fighting. It isassumed to be an extremely great advantage, that--due to the finedistribution--considerably less amount of fire-fighting material, firstof all water is required, as if it were discharged with traditionalmeans.

Naturally, the invention is applicable elsewhere, and the process can berelaized with other apparatuses as well.

I claim:
 1. Process for the fine dispersion of liquid or powders ingaseous medium, characterized in that a charge (1) of the liquid orpowder is put into an ejection tube (2), and pressurized gaseouspropellant (4) is admitted at explosion-like speed behind the charge(1), container (3) is filled with said propellant (4) of at least 10 barpressure, and the propellant (4) is conducted from the container (3)behind the charge (1) in the ejection tube (2), with a maximum of 20msec., and wherein the volume of said charge (1) amounts to 25-100% ofthe volume of the ejection tube (2), and the volume of said propellant(4) amount to 30-750 times the volume of the charge (1) in normalcondition.
 2. Process according to claim 1, characterized in that theliquid or powder is filled into a bag (5) made of synthetic foil orpaper, then the bag (5) is closed and placed into the ejection tube (2).3. Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the propellant(4) is brought about by an explosion.
 4. Process according to claim 3,characterized in than an explosive (7) in a conventional shell (6) isplaced into the propellant container (3) and the charge (1) filled intothe bag (5) is placed directly on said explosive.
 5. Apparatus for thefine dispersion of liquid or powder in gaseous medium, comprising anejection tube (2) taking in a charge of the liquid or powder (1), oneend of the ejection tube (2) being connected with a propellant container(3), the ejection tube (2) being interconnected with the propellantcontainer (3) by at least one transfer port (8) closed by a quick-actionlocking element, wherein the ration (L/D) between the length (L) of theejection tube (2) and its inside diameter (d) is 2 to
 20. 6. Apparatusaccording to claim 5, characterized in that an automatically closingclosure element (10) consisting of segments and made of elastic materialis arranged at the mouth (9) of the ejection tube (2).
 7. Apparatusaccording to claim 5, characterized in that the ejection tube (2) has acharging stub (31) provided with a valve (32) connected through aflexible hose (33) with a liquid supply system.
 8. Apparatus accordingto claim 5, characterized in that a tube bottom (28) is formed at theend of the ejection tube (2) facing the propellant container (3), andholes (29) branch off from the transfer port (8) in the direction of theejection tube (2), the holes having openings (30) formed in the tubebottom (28).
 9. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in thatsaid container (3) has a charging stub (12) provided with a valve (13)for connection with a propellant supplying appliance.
 10. Apparatusaccording to claim 9, characterized in that the charging stub (12) ofthe propellant container (3) provided with the valve (13) is connectedthrough a flexible hose (34) to said propellant supplying appliance, andwherein said appliance supplies high pressure gas to the charging stub.11. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the chargingstub (12) of the propellant container (3) provided with the valve (13)has elements to take in a CO₂ cartridge.
 12. Apparatus according toclaim 5, characterized in that the locking element closing the transferport (8) interconnecting the ejection tube (2) with the propellantcontainer (3) is a valve (14) resting on a valve seat (15) machinedaround the transfer port (8) from the direction of the propellantcontainer (3), the valve (14) being in actuating connection with apiston (16) situated in a cylinder (17) having a cylinder space (37),the cylinder space (17) being interconnected with the propellantcontainer (3) through a check valve (18) closing towards the cylinderspace (37), the apparatus further comprising a valve (19) connecting thecylinder space with the surroundings, finally a charging stub (12) ofthe propellant container (3) being provided with a valve (13) directlyconnected with the cylinder space (37) of the cylinder (17). 13.Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the valve (13) inthe charging stub (12) of the propellant container (3) interconnectedwith the cylinder space (37) of the cylinder (17) and the valve (19)interconnecting the cylinder space (37) of the cylinder (17) with thesurroundings are machined as a single three-positioned valve (20). 14.Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the valve closingthe transfer port (8) that interconnects the ejection tube (2) with thepropellant container (3) and the actuating piston (16) are machined as asingle piece, and the cross section (a) of the transfer port (8) issmaller than cross section (A) of the cylinder's (17) cylinder space(37).
 15. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that thelocking element closing the transfer port (8) that interconnects theejection tube (2) with the propellant container (3) is a butterfly valve(21).
 16. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that thelocking element closing the transfer port (8) that interconnects theejection tube (2) with the propellant container (3) is a ball pivot(22).
 17. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that thelocking element closing the transfer port (8) that interconnects theejection tube (2) with the propellant container (3) is a membrane (23).18. Apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that a burstingmandrel (24) is arranged from the direction of the propellant container(3) behind the membrane (23) closing the transfer port (8) thatinterconnects the ejection tube with the propellant container (3) and ashank (25) of the bursting mandrel (24) is in mechanical connection withan actuating mechanism arranged outside the propellant container (3).19. Apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that thecompressive strength of the membrane (23) closing the transfer port (8)that interconnects the ejection tube (2) with the propellant container(3) is 1.2-1.5-times the rated charging pressure of the propellantcontainer.
 20. Apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that adetonating mechanism (26) including a primer cap is built to themembrane (23) closing the transfer port (8) that interconnects theejection tube (2) with the propellant container (3), and said detonatingmechanism (26) is interconnected with a firing mechanism (27). 21.Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that explosive (7) isin the propellant container (3) to which a conventional detonatingmechanism (36) is interconnected with a firing mechanism (27). 22.Apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the firingmechanism (27) interconnect with the detonating mechanism (26) is inactuating connection with an instrument or instrument system sensing thepresence of explosive gas mixture and/or fire.
 23. Apparatus accordingto claim 5, characterized in that at least two ejection tubes (2) arebuilt together with a common propellant container (3), and each of saidejection tube (2) is connected separately with the common propellantcontainer (3) via transfer ports (8) each closed by a locking element.24. A process for the fine dispersion of liquid or powders in gaseousmedium, utilizing an ejection tube (2) taking in a charge of the liquidor powder, one end of the ejection tube (2) being connected with apropellant container (3), the ejection tube (2) being interconnectedwith the propellant container (3) by at least one transfer port (8)closed by a quick-action locking element, comprising emplacing theliquid or powder (1) in the ejection tube (2), emplacing a propellant(4) in the propellant container (3), and actuating the quick-actionlocking element to interconnect the propellant container (3) with theejection tube (2) via said at least one transfer port (8) thereby toadmit said propellant (4) at explosion-like speed behind the charge,wherein a propellant container (3) is filled with said propellant (4) ofat least 10 bar pressure, and the propellant (4) is conducted from thepropellant container (3) behind the charge (1) in the ejection tube (2)in a maximum of 20 msec., said charge (1) amount to 25-100% of thevolume of the ejection tube (2), and said propellant (4) amounts to30-750 times the volume of the charge (1) in normal condition.